After making homemade coleslaw a few times I’ve discovered there is a trick to getting it to taste right. When I realized how one simple step affects the taste, I made note to do that every time. This recipe tastes exactly like KFC’s coleslaw! It’s easy to make and goes well with my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. {My family even puts it ON their sandwiches! yum!}

Ingredients for Coleslaw Dressing recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy Coleslaw Recipe:

How to Make Coleslaw recipe:

Whisk together all the ingredients except for the shredded coleslaw mix. Add the coleslaw mix and stir it with the dressing until nicely blended.

One of the tips to getting the taste right is to mix it a few times over the course of about 6-8 hours (overnight is best!) before serving. So to do this easily, I put the coleslaw mix in a gallon sized Ziploc bag, then pour the dressing mixture in.

Close the bag and gently shake the bag/ massage it/ turn it over and around until it’s well mixed. Store in the fridge, but periodically take it out give it another gently shake, then store it flipped over on the other side.

NOT-SO-SECRET COLESLAW TIP: If you let it sit for the designated 6-8 hours, mixing the salad up a few times throughout, it really does taste just like KFC’s! The cabbage softens a bit and the flavors of the dressing meld and the results are so delicious!

Make your own Coleslaw Mix

You can make your own cabbage/ carrot blend for coleslaw instead of buying it from the produce section! Thinly slice 1 head of green cabbage. You can also use a mix of red and green cabbage if you’d like! You’ll need about 4 cups for this recipe. Add in 3 thinly sliced radishes and 1 cup of thinly sliced carrots. Then proceed with the coleslaw dressing recipe.

Can you make coleslaw the day before?

Properly stored, coleslaw will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator if kept in an air tight container. I personally think coleslaw is a million times better served the 2nd or 3rd day after you make it!

Can You freeze Coleslaw dressing?

You can freeze coleslaw dressing as long as it doesn’t have mayonnaise. Coleslaw which has oil and vinegar-based dressing is the best suited to freezing. Mayonnaise tends to separate after being frozen and you will end up with a dressing that is watery when you unfreeze coleslaw with mayonnaise. So prepare the dressing then add your mayo once you’re ready to serve!

Can You Freeze Shredded Cabbage?

Freezing shredded cabbage is another simple option, and you can achieve it with or without blanching. Many chefs use boil-able bags for this method. For example, fill your shredded cabbage into boiling bags, press out the air, and seal them. Pop the bags into boiling water for about 1 1/2 minutes for blanching. Cool the bags in ice water, pat dry and freeze.

If you’re lazy, and sometimes we all are, shredded cabbage can put in boil-able bags without blanching. Just place the bags in the freezer.